Langley Unit 1902, 6:42 PM
The sky was overcast, on the verge of rain.
It was the kind of Friday evening where even the sound of the wind brushing past hinted at the end of autumn, leaving the view outside the window feeling a little desolate.
Celeste returned home earlier than expected, just after finishing a meeting.
The moment she opened the door, she was greeted not by words—but by a warm, sweet scent.
The source of that scent stood in the kitchen.
Jinwoo had a gray knit sweater on, an apron tied over it.
He was pouring cocoa into a stainless steel mug, warm light falling softly over his tousled hair.
"Hey, you're back."
Celeste didn't reply—she just smiled faintly.
Maybe it was the weather, but the house felt unusually cozy today.
"You like cocoa, right? I added a bit of whipped cream. Tell me if it's too sweet."
His tone was quiet, like someone who'd made this for her many times before.
While she shrugged off her coat, Jinwoo handed her the mug with both hands.
"...Thank you."
She sat on the couch and took a careful sip.
Warmth spread across her palate—sweet, soft, and sinking gently into her chest.
Jinwoo sat beside her and lightly stroked her hair.
"Rough day?"
"A bit. But I'm okay now. Thanks to the cocoa."
Without another word, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
The sofa cushions dipped gently beneath them, and in place of words, their shared warmth filled the space.
Soft jazz played on the TV.
The clouds outside stayed gray, but inside, the room was gradually filling with light.
With her eyes half-closed, Celeste heard Jinwoo's low voice.
"Doesn't this feel like we're already married? Honestly… with days like this, what more could I ask for?"
At those words, she opened her eyes and looked at him.
There was a little laughter in her gaze, a touch of fatigue—and a great deal of trust.
"Should I record that? So I can play it back when you're stressed out from me and trying to run away?"
"You can play that back anytime. I'm not going anywhere. Being with you… makes the whole day feel right."
With that, he kissed her softly on the forehead, then laced their fingers together again.
They sat there, side by side on the couch, saying little, yet wrapped in the kind of stillness that only long-time lovers share—as if this quiet Friday evening belonged only to them.
When the cocoa had cooled just a little, Celeste slowly stood up.
Jinwoo looked over and asked,
"You eat anything?"
"Only some snacks. Meetings kept breaking things up."
"Then let's make something simple together."
She nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Jinwoo, moving with practiced ease, opened the fridge and began pulling out ingredients.
"How about pasta? Half cream, half tomato?"
"Perfect. I'll chop the onions."
Celeste tied her hair back and reached for an apron.
Jinwoo, watching her, chuckled.
"You look way too good like that…You could pass for a cooking YouTuber."
"Then today's video title would be: 'The CEO's Easy Post-Overtime Dinner Routine.'"
"No, no. 'Friday Night Vlog—Jinwoo Does All the Cooking.'"
They both burst into laughter.
The sound of vegetables being chopped, the gentle sizzle from the sauce pan, and their casual back-and-forth slowly filled the kitchen.
"This is minced garlic, right?"
"Yep. Add it in and pour the cream right after."
"When do I put the meat in?"
"I'll do it. Don't want you burning your hand."
Jinwoo stepped closer, covering the pot and lowering the heat slightly.
Then, half teasing, he slipped an arm gently around her waist.
"Damn... This is what I wanted all along."
"It's… nicer than I thought."
"Right? So, who's doing the dishes?"
"Loser decides."
"Oh? How are we deciding?"
"Rock-paper-scissors?"
"Forget it. Your eyes already won. I'll do them."
She laughed and lifted the pot lid.
Inside, the cream sauce was bubbling softly, and the tomato pasta had absorbed the flavors beautifully.
In that softly lit kitchen, the two of them quietly brought dinner to life.
Nothing fancy—just simple ingredients, ordinary words.
And yet, somehow,every bit of it felt like a quiet celebration just for the two of them.